Stephen T. Merkel

Director or Non- Executive Chairman with 14 years experience with private and public companies involved in turnarounds, operational reviews, strategic planning, acquisitions, people development, succession planning, shareholder operating agreements, exit strategies and key customer and distributor interface. Was one of four Directors that led the turnaround of NYSE Sturm Ruger where market cap increased fivefold in six years. Prior to Director and Non-Executive Chairman work , had 18 years of global and domestic P&L responsibility as Managing Director, President or Operating Executive mostly with Loctite Corporation. Experience has included multi-national companies selling Direct and/or thru Distribution across specialty chemicals, industrial, construction, fire arms, electronics, specialty water, paper, hospitality, HVAC, food service, specialty metal, automotive aftermarket, jan san, aerospace and hardware. Led or directed the acquisition of 24 companies and divested two businesses with shared services as either a Managing Director, President, Operating Executive or Board Member. Managed thru natural disaster, wild inflation, catastrophic loss of facilities, major integrations, divestitures, a hostile takeover, turnarounds, fraud and financial uncertainty. Has been adept at consistently improving the value offering and gross margins throughout his career by testing price elasticity, re-engineering products, outsourcing, improving productivity, new product introduction and pricing to value not cost. Has served on NYSE, private and not for profit Boards and currently a Board member of Global Construction Materials Company, a HVAC Company and Non Exec Chairman of a Specialty Metals Company.